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The Riigikogu is the parliament of Estonia. Its 101 members are elected at general elections for a term of four years. The Riigikogu passes laws and resolutions, exercises parliamentary supervision and ratifies international agreements.

The Riigikogu has 11 standing commitees and 6 select committees. Commitees of investigation and study committees are formed to investigate issues of public interest or problems of significant imprtance.

Mihkelson: Finnish-Estonian security dialogue will strengthen the security of the Baltic region

10.02.2016 / Press releases, National Defence Committee

At the meeting with the Minister of Defence of Finland Jussi Niinistö in Helsinki today, Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marko Mihkelson emphasised the importance of bilateral defence cooperation.

Mihkelson said that in security issues, Estonia and Finland have to exchange information and have as open discussions as possible, both at political and official levels. “There is no doubt that we and Finland are facing similar challenges,” Mihkelson said.

Mihkelson and Niinistö had a long discussion about regional security. They also spoke about the proposed amendments to the EU Firearms Directive, on which both countries have similar positions. Niinistö said that Finland is categorically against all amendments that reduce defence capability. Mihkelson added that Estonia supports the Finnish approach, and has submitted its reservations to the legislative proceedings of the Firearms Directive.

Mihkelson is on a two-day visit to Finland. Yesterday he delivered a report titled “The Security Challenges of the Baltic Sea Region” to foreign policy opinion leaders and diplomats at the Paasikivi Society.